'Demon Slayer' craze in Korea reignites Rising Sun flag controversy

This image shared by professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University shows an accessory with a Rising Sun flag-inspired motif, sold on a Korean e-commerce site as part of a "Demon Slayer" merchandise collection. Captured from Seo's Instagram

The recent release of the Japanese animated feature “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — The Infinity Castle” continues to captivate the Korean box office, surpassing 4.5 million viewers as of Tuesday, but the film’s popularity has once again spotlighted a long-standing controversy over the use of images resembling the Rising Sun flag, a symbol widely associated with Japan’s wartime imperialism.

On Tuesday, Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University who is known for spearheading efforts to correct historical and cultural misrepresentations of Korea, raised concerns about a Rising Sun flag-inspired accessory depicted in the animation. He also criticized the sale of related merchandise, noting that the image remains a potent symbol of Japanese militarism and colonial aggression in Korea and other parts of Asia.

Seo pointed out that various online platforms and shops have been selling accessories modeled after the earrings worn by “Demon Slayer” protagonist Kamado Tanjiro, a design that closely resembles the controversial flag.

The earrings previously sparked backlash during the 2019 release of the film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — The Movie: Mogen Train,” which led to design modifications for Korean audiences.

“While the film enjoys tremendous popularity, it is vital to acknowledge the historical wounds the Rising Sun flag symbolizes for many Koreans and neighboring countries,” Seo said on social media.

“Allowing such merchandise to be sold without careful review disregards national sentiment and historical context.”

A scene from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba — Infinity Castle” / Courtesy of CJ ENM

The flag, once the official standard of the imperial Japanese military, is widely recognized in Korea as a “war crime banner” and strongly associated with colonial rule of the peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

Consumers and activists alike often protest similar flag-themed products and images, arguing the importance of respecting Korean history and remaining culturally sensitive.

Seo called on major e-commerce platforms and retailers to recognize their social responsibility and take action swiftly.

“It's natural for companies to want to maximize profit, but they must also understand the historical and national sentiment of the markets they serve,” the professor wrote. “Korea’s major online marketplaces should remove these products immediately.”